What is the most serious hazard when working with electrical tools?

Working with electricity is dangerous, especially if the proper safety measures are not taken. Many electrical hazards can occur in the workplace, and it is important to be aware of them to mitigate the risks. In this article, we will share some important electrical hazards and safety topics that should be discussed in the workplace. Stay safe out there!

What is Electrical Safety?

Electrical safety is a general practice conducted by workers exposed to electrically powered equipment. It’s a set of guidelines that mitigates and prevents electrical hazards and their dangerous effects in the event of an incident.

Failure to follow electrical safety can lead to accidents, near misses, or fatalities.

Importance of Electrical Safety

Lack of experience, inadequate training, and failure to identify potential hazards could lead to electrocution resulting in severe injuries or sudden death. The construction industry is most in danger from electrical hazards.

In fact, it accounts for 52% of all electrical fatalities in the United States. Most of these incidents and fatalities were due to direct worker contact with machines, tools, power lines, and hand-carried metallic objects.

That’s why electrical safety is of utmost importance in any workplace. Due to the threat that electrical hazards pose to construction workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has developed a set of electrical safety standards that must be followed to ensure a safe working environment.

Who Is At Risk of Electrical Hazards?

Electricians, overhead line workers, and engineers are at a higher risk of being exposed to electrical hazards due to their work. However, anyone who works with or around electricity can be at risk of being injured by an electrical hazard.

Tasks that put workers at risk of electrical hazards include electrical installation and repairs, equipment testing, and electrical maintenance and inspection activities. However, it’s also important to note that people who are indirectly exposed to electricity can also be at risk of electrical hazards.

This includes people who work close to energized equipment or power lines, as well as those who work in wet or damp locations.

What Are the Most Common Electrical Hazards?

According to OSHA, electrocution is the most common hazard across construction sites. That’s why identifying electrical hazards is crucial to preventing workplace accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

Here are some examples of electrical hazards in the workplace, as well as tips on when you can do to mitigate and prevent these risks:

Overhead Power Lines

Overhead power lines are one of the most common electrical hazards in the workplace. They are often found on construction sites, as well as near utility poles and power lines. Overhead power lines can be very dangerous, as they are often energized with high-voltage electricity.

If you see an overhead power line that has been damaged or downed, do not touch it. Instead, report the hazard to your supervisor immediately.

If you must work near energized overhead power lines, always use proper personal protective equipment, such as rubber gloves and insulating matting.

Damaged Tools and Equipment

Using damaged electrical tools and equipment is one of the leading causes of electrocution in the workplace. That’s why it’s important to always inspect your tools and equipment before using them.

Do not use the tool or equipment if you see any damage, such as cracks, frayed cords, or missing parts. Instead, immediately report the damaged tool or faulty equipment to your manager or supervisor and request a replacement.

Inadequate Electrical Cords and Plugs

Frayed or damaged electrical cords and plugs are another common electrical hazard in the workplace. Faulty electrical cords and plugs can cause fires, as well as electrocution.

Always inspect your cords and plugs before using them. Do not use the cord or plug if you see any damage. Instead, report the damaged cord or plug to your manager or supervisor immediately and request for replacement or immediate repairs.

Exposed Electrical Parts

Examples of exposed electrical parts include electrical outlets, switches, and junction boxes. When these parts are not properly covered, they can pose a serious electrocution hazard.

To mitigate this hazard, always ensure that all exposed electrical parts are properly covered. If you see an exposed electrical part, report it to your supervisor immediately.

Working in Wet or Damp Conditions

Working in wet or damp conditions can increase the risk of electrical hazards, as water can conduct electricity. Therefore, always use proper personal protective equipment if you work in wet or damp conditions.

It’s also best to get a qualified electrician and have them inspect electrical equipment that has gotten wet.

Improper Grounding

OSHA sites the improper grounding of equipment as the most common electrical violation. Improperly grounded equipment can cause fires, as well as electrocution. To mitigate this hazard, always ensure that all electrical equipment is properly grounded.

Electrical Safety Topics to Discuss in the Workplace

Now that you know some of the most common electrical hazards in the workplace, it’s important to discuss these hazards with your employees. So here are some electrical safety topics that you should discuss in the workplace:

Toolbox Topics

General electrical site-specific safety measures
Working Near High-voltage Electrical Lines
Basic Arc Flash Safety Precautions
The correct way of Dealing with Downed Power Lines

Meeting Topics

Reviewing Sources & Causes of Electric Shock
Effectiveness and Improvement of Electrical Safety Controls
Minimizing the Risk of Electrical Injuries with a Safety-first Mindset
Lessons Learned from Electrical Safety Incident Outcomes

Training Topics

Hand and Power Tools Electrocution Prevention
Fundamentals of Electricity at the Job Site
Emergency and First-Aid Procedures for Potential Electrical Accidents
Common Electrical Hazards Identification and Elimination

Knowing your limits and applying the best electrical safety practices will help reduce the risk of electricity-related incidents. In addition, it’s safer to work within your scope of expertise instead of trying to fix or troubleshoot electrical problems on your own.

Always ask a qualified electrician for assistance if you’re ever unsure about something.

Create an Electrical Safety Checklist with the DataMyte Digital Clipboard

The best way to ensure that your company follows electrical safety best practices is to create an electrical safety checklist. The DataMyte Digital Clipboard can help you do just that!

With the DataMyte Digital Clipboard:

You can create a customized checklist specific to your company’s electrical safety needs.
You can track and store data, so you can easily see which areas need improvement.
You can add as many items as you need and other elements such as timestamps, barcodes, pictures, e-signatures, and more!

Try the DataMyte Digital Clipboard today and see how easy it is to create a customized electrical safety checklist for your company. Visit our website to learn more.

Conclusion

Electrical hazards are a serious problem in the workplace. Discussing electrical safety topics with your employees and creating an electrical safety checklist can help mitigate the risk of electrical hazards in your workplace. So try the DataMyte Digital Clipboard to create your company’s customized electrical safety checklist. Book a demo today!

In any workplace, from offices to construction sites, there are a number of electrical safety issues to be aware of. This includes well-known electrical hazards you should avoid for the safety of you and your team.

As an accredited commercial electrical services company, we know first-hand why organisations should not take electrical safety for granted. In our experience, being too soft on health and safety procedures, even unintentionally, is one of the biggest dangers and simply not worth the risk.

The construction industry, in particular, is most at risk from electrical hazards which accounts for 52% of electrical fatalities in American workplaces. This is commonly caused by contact with power lines, machines and tools. However, even offices are at risk, as essential maintenance work is frequently carried out and wiring and cables can be left exposed.

When safety measures are followed and proper training and instruction is given, it’s easy to stay safe and work productively. However, if measures are not met, they not only pose a health risk in the workplace, but could mean you are legally liable as a business owner.

Fortunately, we know how you can easily identify common electrical hazards at work and take the necessary steps to get them fixed. From the most complex site checks to simple maintenance and repairs, we are always on hand to help. So, here are some of the top hazards to watch out for.

Wet Environment

This is a very common problem as it easily impacts any environment, from spilled water on a desk near electrical outlets, to leaks or puddles on a building site. Never use electrical equipment in wet locations, under any circumstances. Water increases the risk of electrocution, especially if equipment has damage or wear and tear to the outer insulation.

If in doubt, have a qualified electrician perform a check or complete emergency electrical service work before you return to the work area. If you are having plumbing work completed too, consult with your electrician, or arrange for your complete project – from electricals to plumbing fixtures, to be completed by the same team, just as we do.

Damaged or Worn Equipment

Even if you’re wearing gloves and PPE (personal projection equipment), exposure to damaged tools or equipment can be extremely dangerous. Do not attempt to handle or use damaged equipment and do not fix anything unless you are properly qualified. Even if you regularly use certain equipment for work, routinely check for cracks or abrasions on cables, wires, and cords. In case of defects, have the item repaired or replaced.

Exposed Electrical Components

This refers to being aware of any temporary lighting, open power units or detached insulation parts on power cords, all of which can cause electric shocks and burns. If spotted, be sure to secure these items with proper guarding mechanisms and call a qualified electrician to complete repairs as soon as possible.

Insufficient Grounding

The most common electrical hazards and violation comes from the insufficient grounding of any electrical equipment. Correct grounding can eliminate unwanted voltage and reduce the risk of electrocution. Be warned: never remove the metallic ground pin which returns unwanted voltage to the ground. If in doubt, consult your on-site supervisor or commercial electrical services to have them properly inspect and check your site is safe.

Damaged Insulation

Be wary of defective or poor-quality insulation on any equipment, and report any sign of this immediately before the equipment is in use. Make sure you switch off all power sources before replacing damaged material with new, high-quality insulation product. Never attempt to repair visible damage with tape as it won’t hold for long and will not be safe.

Overloaded Circuits

Avoid overloading power outlets, circuits and always use a suitable extension cord or adaptor designed for specific use, whether in an office or something larger on a construction site. If you’re ever unsure, go easy on power outlets and use another if necessary, rather than overload a single one.

Incorrect Wiring

Using wires incorrectly, such as the wrong size for the job, can cause overheating and risk of a fire. While not everyone is an expert, or expected to be, if you ever need help or advice you should speak to a work supervisor or call fully qualified and accredited electricians or contractors who can visit your workplace for an assessment.

Overhead Power Lines

Again, tragically accounting for a large percentage of work-related electrical fatalities in the USA, overhead power lines carry extremely high voltages which can cause very serious burns and electrocution. All workers should stay a minimum of 10 feet from overhead power lines and any nearby electrical equipment. Furthermore, safety barriers and signs should be visible, and nothing stored directly underneath the power lines. Your commercial electrical services provider can complete a thorough site check and survey to make sure these guidelines are met.

The Solution? Get an Emergency Electrical Service Check

As an experienced building, construction and maintenance company with offices across Australia, we have national reach with a local level of care and attention for our customers. Working as a family-owned business, we have accredited professional technicians who are customer-friendly, efficient and timely in their services.

Whether you want to discuss workplace emergency electrical services, commercial electrical services, or any support related to the electrical safety of your business premises, Mathiou Services have you covered. Furthermore, we are still working and available through the recent COVID-19 pandemic under new guidelines. We are your committed commercial electrical contractors.